Had lunch with a long time friend of mine that is a world known engine builder. He brought along a connecting rod and a piston to show me that had been PRINTED on a 3D printer. Both measured to within less than 0.001 inch for any dimension and was more than durable enough to test fit in an engine before having ones made from aluminum or steel. The rod even had printed 3/8-24 threads that a cap bolts screwed into with two fingers. Cost around $50 each and the machine shops love having a real 3D sample instead of blueprints. They are now developing REAL printed aluminum parts and sintered iron metal parts. Guess I just as well sell the lathe and mill.
I've read that 3-D printed parts are becoming more of a reality these days. Not sure I'm completely sold on the idea yet... but I have to admit, paying $50 per piston is way more appealing than paying $175 per piston for my old ladder truck's V-12 engine. I'd love to know more about this, Evan. Damon
Too good to be true Damon. The plastic samples for test fitting were $50. The real ones using the sample one as a guide are still pricey I'm sure.
Evan, I'm gonna be in Ft. Worth for the Pate Swap Meet, April 24-26. Located between Petty Place, and Andretti Ave, on 7th Street. If you make the meet, come by and say Hi. I'm planning on driving my Yellow GMC. Of course, same goes for anyone else who may be there, come by Bill Brubaker
Lazer Parts Wow . Please don't go selling out just yet Evan , The knowledge of how to run a Lathe is priceless and will never , EVER be obsolete .
Advanced 3D scale models First time i saw this new 3 D CAD technigue and molding production whas on the Tube. Amazing how its posseble. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmr4HqjSSw4
I read somewhere a guy could print-out a working plastic handgun that was fully functional. Makes me want one of those machines. It also makes the pansy lefties wet themselves.
